Friday, August 28, 2009

US Servicemember Killed in Afghanistan, August Now Deadliest Month of War

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 28, 2009 -- An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) servicemember was killed today when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an improvised explosive device in eastern Afghanistan.

Captain Elizabeth Mathias, a U.S. media officer, confirmed that the deceased is a U.S. servicemember.

“On behalf of all the members of ISAF, I extend my most sincere condolences to this servicemember’s loved ones. Our prayers are with them in their time of loss,” said Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.

“As we accept his sacrifice in the ongoing struggle against a resilient insurgency, we will continue to work with our Afghan security partners so that the Afghan population can benefit from an improved security situation all across Afghanistan.”

The death brings to 45 the number of U.S. troops who have died in Afghanistan this month, a record number.

This is a developing story with details to follow.

(Report from an International Security Assistance Force news release.)